Mount Baker senior pitcher Michael Kentner delivers to the plate in a game versus Lynden Christian. PHOTO: Doug Lange
Prep Baseball: Mountaineers Down Lyncs to Clinch
Playoff Spot
April 21, 2019
Mount Baker baseball is headed to the postseason for the first time since 2014. Behind the arm of Michael Kentner, the Mountaineers thumped Lynden Christian 7-2 Saturday to clinch a 1A District playoff spot.
The 8th win of the season for Mount Baker baseball was the most important one of the season. Not only did the road win lock up a spot in the postseason, it matched the total number of victories the Mount Baker senior class enjoyed over the previous 3 years combined.
After the win, shortstop Kaleb Bass said he and the 6 other seniors on the roster were feeling pretty good about heading into unchartered territory.
"Confidence level is probably pretty high because this is the first time, in I don't know how many years, we've actually been able to go to the playoffs," said Bass. "I mean that's tremendous, especially for this solid group of seniors to come together as seniors after coming off of...what, 2 wins last season and we're coming out and we're actually going to the playoffs, we're going somewhere."
Mount Baker would get all the runs they would need in the first inning. the Mountaineers turned 2 walks, an error and a single into 3 runs off of Lynden Christian starter Zach Sipma.
MORE: Listen to the Mt. Baker/Lynden Christian archived broadcast
Staked to the early lead, Kentner spun a gem on the mound. The right-hander held the Lyncs to just 1 hit, a leadoff single by Cole Moorlag to open up the bottom of the 1st inning. Kentner finished with 5 strikeouts while walking just 2 batters.
"That was the best he's pitched all year," said Mount Baker coach Justin Meyers.
"I mean he was completely in control and just threw strikes all day long and trusted his defense behind him."
The Mountaineers totaled 6 hits with 1 more run in the 2nd inning and 3 more in the 4th. Bass went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. Andrew Stalnacker added 2 hits and 2 RBI's, while Isaac Gomes went 2-for-4 at the plate with 1 RBI, 2 runs scored and 2 stolen bases.
The win moves Mt. Baker (8-10/5-6 NWC) 1 game ahead of Meridian (7-10/4-7 NWC) in the race for the number one seed in the 1A district playoffs. Both teams have two games left to play in the regular season, including Tuesday's head-to-head match-up in Deming.
Other 4/20/19 NWC Baseball Scores:
Sedro-Woolley 2 Garfield 1
Burlington 8 Lakewood 1
- Doug Lange
Mount Baker shortstop Kaleb Bass warms up prior to the Mountaineers road game at Lynden Christian. PHOTO: Tyler Anderson
Mount Baker coach Justin Myers looks on from the 3rd base coaches box
versus Lynden Christian. PHOTO: Doug Lange
